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CHARLESTON, S. C.,
January 1, 1861.
What disposition shall I make of the detachment under my command? We are very unpleasantly situated here.
F. C. HUMPHREYS,
U. S. Army.
Capt. WM. MAYNADIER,
Charge of Ordnance Bureau.
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ORDNANCE OFFICE,
January 2, 1861.
F. C. HUMPHREYS
U. S. Arsenal, Charleston, S.C.:
I want a report in detail of what has occurred; of the present position and condition of your command and property; as regards quarters and other accommodations, freedom of movement, and any statements or views in the matter that you may deem proper for a full understanding.
W. MAYNADIER,
Captain of Ordnance.
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CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
January 3, 1861.
SIR: I received your dispatch last night and sent a reply by telegraph. I will now proceed to make a detailed report of the facts relative to the surrender of this arsenal, which I should have done before but that my time has been fully occupied in getting proper vouchers for the property recently in my charge.
On Sunday morning last Colonel Cunningham marched a strong detachment of armed men into this arsenal (having several days before entirely surrounded it outside of the inclosure) and demanded the surrender in the name of South Carolina and by order of Governor Pickens. Having no force to make a defense, I surrendered under a protest, and demanded the privilege of saluting my flag before lowering it and of taking it with me, and that the command should occupy the quarters until instructions could be received from the War Department, which was granted.
Soon after, the arsenal and magazine were both opened, and the property has been constantly issued since–arms, ammunition, accouterments, &c.
Myself and men and our families are very unpleasantly situated. There are some 200 men here constantly, and we are in actual danger from accident when so many inexperienced persons are at every turn with loaded arms. Our movements are watched and restricted, and I would earnestly request that we may be moved elsewhere. The times are so unsettled that I have not issued to my command this month either subsistence or fuel–in fact, we have no conveniences for anything, and all is confusion and turmoil.
I understand that all communication with Fort Sumter is cut off, and that a barge with its men from that post has been captured at the city wharf and are held in durance.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
F. C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U. S. Army.
Capt. WM. MAYNADIER,
In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.